Scan barcode
ruby_catmom's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ticha_bugalho's review against another edition
3.0
A charming contemporary romance with decently developed characters that fell slightly short of its potential. While Abby, her family history, and the dynamics with Tom and Josh were explored, something still felt lacking, particularly in the romance which needed more intensity.
However, the narrative remained engaging, effectively setting up a promising series that piqued my curiosity for future installments. Despite occasional pacing issues, some predictability and repetition, the book retained a classic romantic touch, striking a balance between romance, mystery and some minor and perhaps unnecessary supernatural element.
Notwithstanding some minor drawbacks, it remains an engaging read.
However, the narrative remained engaging, effectively setting up a promising series that piqued my curiosity for future installments. Despite occasional pacing issues, some predictability and repetition, the book retained a classic romantic touch, striking a balance between romance, mystery and some minor and perhaps unnecessary supernatural element.
Notwithstanding some minor drawbacks, it remains an engaging read.
samdussin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
A cute contemporary romance, I could leave it like that, because that is really enough.
But fine, I will say more ;)
Abby has inherited lots of money and a house, and all from a relative she did not know about. So she goes to see the house and discovers family secrets. It was a bit strange, cos there was this paranormal aspect of a ghost. Most of the time you can leave it to the fact that she only imagined it, but no, there really was a ghost here. Ok forget about the ghost. Abby always wanted family, always wanted a home. Can she find one here? Well duh yes!
Tom is a contractor and wants to fix her house. And yes they start to fall for each other. But he still thinks about another girl, and Abby does not want to stay. They become friends, they fall in lust, and they have their happily ever after.
I liked this town, but then I love small towns. They always gossip, everyone is friendly and I always go all awww, I wanna live there!
Cute.
But fine, I will say more ;)
Abby has inherited lots of money and a house, and all from a relative she did not know about. So she goes to see the house and discovers family secrets. It was a bit strange, cos there was this paranormal aspect of a ghost. Most of the time you can leave it to the fact that she only imagined it, but no, there really was a ghost here. Ok forget about the ghost. Abby always wanted family, always wanted a home. Can she find one here? Well duh yes!
Tom is a contractor and wants to fix her house. And yes they start to fall for each other. But he still thinks about another girl, and Abby does not want to stay. They become friends, they fall in lust, and they have their happily ever after.
I liked this town, but then I love small towns. They always gossip, everyone is friendly and I always go all awww, I wanna live there!
Cute.
wilko's review against another edition
5.0
Solid 4.5 star
Firstly get comfy and cleared your calendar as once you start that's it you won't be stopping until the end as this book has it all, secrets from the past, characters you will fall in love with, laughs to be had and maybe a few tears to be shed a we see Abigail go through plenty of emotions once she arrives at Jewell Cove and to sort out the infamous house on Blackberry hill. I just loved how there was so much history to the house and Abigail's relatives that she never knew of along with her learning what it is like to be in a small town and the friends she meets, it also doesn't hurt that Tom is not only passionate about the house but that Abigail has caught his eye too. Abigail is definitely at a turning point in her life and we are kept hoping things will work out for her, but the house isn't the only thing holding on to secrets from the past. I can't wait to read the next in the series and get to know everyone more!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Firstly get comfy and cleared your calendar as once you start that's it you won't be stopping until the end as this book has it all, secrets from the past, characters you will fall in love with, laughs to be had and maybe a few tears to be shed a we see Abigail go through plenty of emotions once she arrives at Jewell Cove and to sort out the infamous house on Blackberry hill. I just loved how there was so much history to the house and Abigail's relatives that she never knew of along with her learning what it is like to be in a small town and the friends she meets, it also doesn't hurt that Tom is not only passionate about the house but that Abigail has caught his eye too. Abigail is definitely at a turning point in her life and we are kept hoping things will work out for her, but the house isn't the only thing holding on to secrets from the past. I can't wait to read the next in the series and get to know everyone more!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
tobyyy's review against another edition
5.0
This was the first book by Alward that I’ve read, and man, it was good. I wouldn’t class it as a romance novel, or a ghost story, or a family drama — it was all of the above, melded into a melange that somehow worked. I could see this being a flop depending on who wrote it, but Alward somehow made it all blend together perfectly. This was my first novel by her but it’s definitely not my last. Also, I love the setting. She brought the Maine coast to life perfectly — a place that has a soft spot in my heart.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good small town romance. Abby is a teacher in Canada when she gets word that she has inherited a house in Maine from a relative she didn't know she had. She arrives in town ready to do whatever necessary to get the house ready and sell it. But she is also intrigued by the idea of learning about the part of her family she never knew. Tom is the local contractor she hires to do the work on the house. He's always loved it and is happy to be the one to bring it back to life.
I liked both Abby and Tom. Abby is beautiful, independent, and determined. She also has a lot of anger directed at her great aunt, unhappy that there had been no contact at all from that side of the family. It didn't take long for Abby to become interested in learning more about her. There was also something about the house itself that drew her in. Tom is a pretty laid back guy who has a close relationship with his family and friends. He wants to work on the house and is determined to convince Abby that he's the only one who can do it justice.
Their initial meeting was a bit rocky, as Tom came on a little strong in his quest to win the bid. Abby is no pushover, and I loved seeing her follow through on her threat to call the cops. That scene was pretty funny. But once they came to an agreement, their friendship started to grow. It was complicated by the fact that they were attracted to each other, but both have issues that keep them from giving in to it. Abby grew up in a turbulent household, eventually feeling as though she loses everyone she ever cares about. This causes her to protect her heart, not giving herself a chance to grow too close to anyone. Tom had the bad luck to fall in love with the same woman his cousin loved. She picked his cousin, but that wasn't the end of the problem. Now she is dead and Tom is still grieving, as well as feeling some guilt over the rift with his cousin. I liked seeing Abby open up to Tom about what she learns about her family, and the support he gives her as she deals with it. There are a couple instances when they are on opposite sides of an issue, but even when furious with each other they eventually manage to talk it out. There is one confrontation at the end that got very emotional, but it also helped both of them see how they were running from life. I liked Abby's big moment at the end.
The mystery of Abby's family was really good. I liked the way she didn't completely freak when the ghost appeared. Abby's search for the truth of what had really happened to her aunt was intriguing and I liked the way it was handled.
I really liked the secondary characters, most of whom were Tom's family. It was obvious that there was a lot of love there, but there were also realistic tensions. Tom's female relations are determined to fix the rift between Tom and his cousin and aren't very subtle about it. They also have that matchmaking glint in their eyes when they look at Tom and Abby. I especially liked Sarah and Jess, and the way they pulled Abby into a friendship with them. Their "slumber party" was fun. I also liked the way that they all pulled together in times of trouble. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I liked both Abby and Tom. Abby is beautiful, independent, and determined. She also has a lot of anger directed at her great aunt, unhappy that there had been no contact at all from that side of the family. It didn't take long for Abby to become interested in learning more about her. There was also something about the house itself that drew her in. Tom is a pretty laid back guy who has a close relationship with his family and friends. He wants to work on the house and is determined to convince Abby that he's the only one who can do it justice.
Their initial meeting was a bit rocky, as Tom came on a little strong in his quest to win the bid. Abby is no pushover, and I loved seeing her follow through on her threat to call the cops. That scene was pretty funny. But once they came to an agreement, their friendship started to grow. It was complicated by the fact that they were attracted to each other, but both have issues that keep them from giving in to it. Abby grew up in a turbulent household, eventually feeling as though she loses everyone she ever cares about. This causes her to protect her heart, not giving herself a chance to grow too close to anyone. Tom had the bad luck to fall in love with the same woman his cousin loved. She picked his cousin, but that wasn't the end of the problem. Now she is dead and Tom is still grieving, as well as feeling some guilt over the rift with his cousin. I liked seeing Abby open up to Tom about what she learns about her family, and the support he gives her as she deals with it. There are a couple instances when they are on opposite sides of an issue, but even when furious with each other they eventually manage to talk it out. There is one confrontation at the end that got very emotional, but it also helped both of them see how they were running from life. I liked Abby's big moment at the end.
The mystery of Abby's family was really good. I liked the way she didn't completely freak when the ghost appeared. Abby's search for the truth of what had really happened to her aunt was intriguing and I liked the way it was handled.
I really liked the secondary characters, most of whom were Tom's family. It was obvious that there was a lot of love there, but there were also realistic tensions. Tom's female relations are determined to fix the rift between Tom and his cousin and aren't very subtle about it. They also have that matchmaking glint in their eyes when they look at Tom and Abby. I especially liked Sarah and Jess, and the way they pulled Abby into a friendship with them. Their "slumber party" was fun. I also liked the way that they all pulled together in times of trouble. I'm looking forward to the next book.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read by Donna Alward and it most certainly won't be the last. I loved the setting of a small town and the closeness of small town life. Abby an elementary teacher from the big city inherites a large old house from an aunt she has never met and plans to fix and sell it. Enter Tom a carpeter in the town who wants to restore the old house to original. Both have baggage from the past that they are dealing with that will challenge the relationship between Abby and Tom. I love reading a good romance that holds your interest without all the sex/sexual situations. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a good romance that pulls you in and makes you feel the characters are your own friends and family. I plan to read more about Jewell Cove.
Reviewed by Susan for Cocktails and Books
Reviewed by Susan for Cocktails and Books
dukefn99's review
3.0
It wasn't a bad read, but it also didn't stand out as a must read. The characters were ok, the romance was a little lackluster. The best part of the book was the little mystery around Abby's ancestors and the house she's inherited. I'll probably give the series another chance since I already have book two, Treasure on Lilac Lane, with hopes the story is a little more well-rounded.
chrlie__'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0